Bosnia and Herzegovina have become the first nation to announce their full 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, featuring a significant contingent of players with ties to the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga. Veteran striker Edin Džeko, currently at Schalke, will captain the side, potentially becoming only the third outfield player over the age of 40 to feature in a World Cup, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric.
The squad includes Atalanta defender Sead Kolašinac, who holds the record for the fastest own-goal in World Cup history, scored in 2014 against Argentina after just two minutes and six seconds. Nikola Katić of Schalke is also included, hoping to replicate his recent promotion success with the club on the international stage. Goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj faces a crucial weekend with St. Pauli, needing a win against Wolfsburg to avoid relegation to 2. Bundesliga before joining up with the national team.
Several players currently competing in Germany’s top two tiers have been selected. Ermedin Demirović of Borussia Mönchengladbach and Haris Tabaković are both established Bundesliga strikers, having each reached double figures in goals over the past three seasons. Midfielder Dženis Burnić, who has played for Borussia Dortmund and VfB Stuttgart, currently plies his trade with Karlsruher SC, and is reportedly attracting interest from Augsburg. Armin Gigović spent last season with Holstein Kiel in the Bundesliga.
Young forward Kerim Alajbegović, born in Cologne, is set to return to Bayer Leverkusen after a successful campaign with RB Salzburg. The 18-year-old is viewed as a promising talent for the tournament. Bosnia and Herzegovina will begin their World Cup campaign against Canada in Toronto, followed by matches against Switzerland and Qatar. The inclusion of these Bundesliga-connected players underscores the growing influence of the German leagues on international football, and provides a solid foundation for Barbarez’s side as they prepare for the tournament in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Argentina and Brazil have released preliminary squads, but Bosnia and Herzegovina are the first to confirm a complete 26-man roster for the expanded 48-team tournament.
